In-person memorials can take on many forms. They can be a reflective gathering in the park, a boisterous banquet at a restaurant, a prayerful ceremony in a chapel, or a heartwarming program in the backyard, among many other options. Lighten helps families bring the celebration of their loved one’s life out of the traditional funeral home environment to a place that honors them in a unique way. And, for some, hosting a funeral at home is the most personalized way to do so.
Why Host a Funeral at Home?
Hosting a memorial, celebration of life, or funeral at home is not so uncommon. Traditional funerals have become increasingly expensive, leaving some people to wonder if there are more cost effective funeral alternatives. Options such as hosting a memorial at home or a virtual memorial are ways in which you can honor your loved one in a special and unique way, without spending a lot of money. In other words, a respectful and beautiful memorial doesn’t have to be expensive.
Outside of the cost effectiveness, there is another reason to consider hosting a funeral at home that might be even more powerful. There is a personalization and intimacy about being at home that can make your loved one’s celebration of life that much more special. The three ideas offered below are rooted in the warmth and comfort of having friends and family sitting around the living room or enjoying the backyard patio, all there with the shared purpose of remembering and celebrating a loved one.
Words of Comfort
One of the ways to bring people together in celebration is through the written word. Picture the family sitting around together reading passages, quotes, or poems that are reflective of your loved one’s unique identity. And reflective can mean different things; maybe the reading you choose is something that reminds you of your loved one or maybe it is from your loved one’s favorite book. If your loved one was a huge movie buff, lines from screenplays can count too. One way to make the most of this idea is by asking everyone attending to bring a quote, poem, or reading to share that reminds them of your loved one.
Song and Dance
Memories can become deeply rooted in songs. One component of hosting a funeral at home is the music that can be played either in the background or as a featured segment of the memorial. Your choice of music can be one of the channels through which you personalize the event to your loved one. Was there a particular song or album that your loved one was known for singing along to? Singing along to the song as a group at a memorial can be a heartwarming way to remember them. You may also opt for a collection of celebration of life songs that inspire listeners to reflect on a life well-lived.
The Beauty of Flowers
Some might say that nothing brightens up a room quite like flowers. In preparation for a funeral at home, it might be nice to decorate the house with the delicate and comforting beauty of flowers. Just as with readings and songs, your choice of flowers can also be a personalized way to honor your loved one. For example, if your loved one had a favorite flower or one they were known for growing in their garden, that could be your selection. You can feel free to step away from traditional funeral wreaths and celebrate your loved one with something that was both beautiful and special to them.
Hosting an in-person memorial for your loved one can be special and unique no matter where you decide to host it. Wherever you choose, Lighten can help.
